It’s been reported that this season is the last for the rolling art exhibit known as the ArtTrain. Bringing art to small towns across the country for over 30 years, the ArtTrain is made up of restored 
passenger cars and a caboose that have been rearranged inside to display art, much like a rolling museum. Every season, they’ve changed the theme, and this season, Native American art, is currently on it’s last stop in Norman, OK. The down fall of the ArtTrain has always been that it’s relied on the host carriers to transport them to their next destination, and you can imagine that a non profit passenger train doesn’t garner the highest priority for movement. However, in our experience with the train, they have a rider who lives in the caboose to work with the railroad personnel to get the train over the road. It will be a shame to see this go to truck, it just won’t be the same.
End of the Rails for the ArtTrain?
Posted on December 4, 2007 by maintwo
Artrain USA will continue to delivery cultural programs to under-resourced communities in a self-contained mobile museum. The only change will be that we will no longer use railcars for our museum. Instead we will use high-tech tractor trailers that will travel on the road.
Our mission is to enrich lives and build communities through the arts. The nation’s railroads have been outstanding partners and sponsors in helping us achieve that mission throughout Artrain USA’s 36 year history. Our decision to increase our capacity by transitioning to the road is the result of our interest in furthering our mission beyond the rail system in order to reach those communities requesting our programs.
We are excited about the opportunities this new method of delivery provides for our cultural programs – access to more communities, ability to schedule more visits and the ability to manage our schedule.
Our 36 year ride on the rails has been terrific. Artrain USA has been visited by close to 3.2 million people during 845 community visits from coast to coast and in Alaska. We look forward to the next chapter in the history of America’s Hometown Art Museum.
thank you for your interest and support.
Best regards,
Debra Polich
President/CEO
Artrain USA